City is considering four other options for intersection at 149th Street and Stony Plain Road

A proposed LRT underpass at the intersection of 149th Street and Stony Plain Road could shut down 20 businesses and an apartment building, says a community leader. (City of Edmonton)

Business owners and residents in the area of 149th Street and Stony Plain Road are concerned about how the west Valley Line LRT expansion could change their community.

The city is exploring several options for the development in the area, including elevated, tunneled or street-level tracks. But community members are particularly worried about a fourth option — an underpass for cars.

Blain said the potential loss of amenities in the area would also cause problems for seniors with mobility issues.

"In order for them to retain their independence, they have to have these amenities," Blain said, noting that taking the bus to a different part of town isn't an option for some. "They moved here many years ago because [the amenities] existed."

Council to review plans in March

Residents will have the opportunity to discuss their concerns at a meeting at the West Jasper/Sherwood Community League building at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

I'm more inclined now to lean toward some of the other options that we've been looking at.- Andrew Knack, Ward 1 City Councillor

Ward 1 Councillor Andrew Knack will attend the meeting.

He said the underpass was his preferred choice of the three separate-grade options.

But seeing the wide range of properties that would be affected by the development changed that, he said.

"I'm more inclined now to lean toward some of the other options that we've been looking at," Knack said.

He said there's now a fifth option for the expansion. It would see the transformation of Stony Plain Road into a one-way corridor heading westbound with the LRT at street level.

City council will review its options for the intersection on March 21.

Construction of the west Valley Line LRT could begin as early as next year.

Traffic on 149th Street would flow under the overpass on Stony Plain Road. (City of Edmonton)